Hi everybody,

I'm looking at doing an MBA in China starting in 2016. I am from the US but of Chinese descent. I speak Mandarin but have never used it in a business context. I have 5 years of work experience in financial services and a BA in business/economics from a top 10 American university.

I would like to get back in touch with my familial roots and spend some time in China. I am not sure if I want to (or can) work in the country after graduation. So I would like to go to a business school that has good connections with Chinese companies and with international organizations based in Europe and in North America. I'd like to hedge my bets.

So far I think that Ceibs fits most of my requirements, but I am also considering applying to the other schools in China that have high profiles, namely Shanghai Jiao Tong University (Antai) and Fudan University School of Management. I would be interested in hearing from people who are currently enrolled in these programs or who have graduated from them, or general insights in terms of which one would best match my goals.

Have you taken the HSK, and at what level? I think you will have picked up that Mandarin-language programs are seen better than English-language ones. A pre-programme in business Chinese would be great. really there is no substitute for building a network in China, and that's why I would not recommend a school centred on English like CEIBS. For greatest mobility in the USA, why not take one of the dual MS-MBA degrees like MIT's MSMS (http://mitsloan.mit.edu/international/partner-programs/) or The yale MAM degree for its network (http://advancedmanagement.net/whos)

I'm skeptical about the existence of an MBA program that would provide good placements in China while also giving you connections in Europe and North America. Those are really high expectations.

From what I know about Chinese businesses, placements very much depend on who you know. International businesses operating in China might be worth looking into, especially if you are fluent in both Mandarin and English. Find out which business schools they recruit from and target those.

Because you cut the end off the other person's comment, you have argued against a point they did not make. They said "I'm skeptical about the existence of an MBA program that would provide good placements in China while also giving you connections in Europe and North America." So, the point is not that top MBAs don't give good placement in China, but that they cannot do so outside China. That is generally the case. Fudan and Antai, for example, come 98th and 99th in the FT top 100 for international mobility. This is not the case for the top programmes in Hong Kong but, obviously, we are all talking here about mainland China.

Tons of dual degree options if you go for a top Chinese university of MBA, for example, dual degree options at Peking Guanghua include ESADE, MIT Sloan, WHU Vallendar, NUS, Washington Foster, Texas Austin, at Tsinghua SEM you can apply dual degree programs with Columbia Business School, MIT Sloan and HEC Paris.

Exchange opportunities can only be more and the exchange school's profile can only be higher.

Chinese universities might need sometime to become internationally recognised but I think it is just a matter of time. A few years ago there were no Chinese universities in the B-schools rankings but now things have changed dramatically, especially Chinese EMBA programs.

[Edited by MBA*Applicant on Feb 26, 2015]

Wow, thanks for all the info! I will look into those dual degree options. Those sort of sound like the best of both worlds.

I find this really interesting. I'm a Canadian but living in Shanghai for at least the next couple of years because my husband's company sent us here. I was going to apply for CEIBS this year, took the GMAT and everything, but now that I read through this thread I am not so sure. I don't plan on staying in China forever. Can somebody recommend me some good alternatives? I suppose that an online program is an option, but I would really like to have an in-class experience.

CEIBS is a great school, and most people should jump at the chance to be there (especially if building a network in the PRC was not their main goal). UBC and USC are also serious contenders. Tonji and Fudan also have some great options.

[Edited by Duncan on Oct 22, 2015]

BarbL, I would encourage you to speak with students & alumni at CEIBS (and at other top programs in China) to hear about their experiences before you apply!

Yes, definitely talk to alumni/students at schools you are applying to. This is a rather old thread, but Duncan's advice is still relevant - CEIBS is a great school - but UBC could be an option if you wanted to transition back to Canada at some point.

I am Chinese American and I'm thinking of going to China to do an MBA, with the intention of working in the country or in the region after I graduate. CEIBS / HKUST / Antai / Fudan - what would be the best fit for me?

I'd strongly recommend Ciebs or HKUST for a higher quality cohort. They also attract more of the international firms who will be more interested in you. Also consider HKU.

Ceibs, HKUST, got it. I've not thought about HKU but it's on my list now. Thanks.

CEIBS could be better for students outside of China to join. The students involving in the program are more diverse and international than Antai College of SJTU and Fudan, especially you don't expect to stay in China for long. But if you consider the environment of Chinese language and culture, Antai and Fudan are still the best choices in Shanghai, and there are also some differences in culture wise between these 2 local Chinese MBA.

I'd mostly agree with this. Antai / Fudan / Beida / Tsinghua are probably more for China-based students who want to grow within the country. Ceibs' placements are going to be more international. HKUST is a great option for international students as well.